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In this Java simulation, students interactively explore properties of waves as they view simulations of a dripping faucet, an audio speaker, and a laser. By observing wave sources and mediums for water, sound, and light, students can compare the behavior of different types of waves. Options include a stopwatch and ruler to measure the waves directly, along with movable detectors and customizable slit widths and spacings to allow students to watch the interference patterns over time. All three options, water, sound, and light, allow users to select between one and two sources, and up to two slits.

This simulation is part of a large and growing collection. It has been designed using principles from physics education research and refined based on student interviews.

SEE RELATED ITEMS ON THIS PAGE for links to lessons, demonstrations, and clicker questions adapted by the PhET team for use with this applet.

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Students interactively explore properties of waves as they view simulations of a dripping faucet, an audio speaker, and a laser. By observing wave sources and mediums for water, sound, and light, students can compare the behavior of different types of waves. Choose Light as a medium and add a second source or a pair of slits to create an interference pattern.

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